The M1911 Pistols Organization Forums Site - Sending Combat Elite back to Colt

eng208

2nd February 2009, 12:15

Just got off the phone with Colt. My Combat Elite developed "the rub mark" on the muzzle end of the slide from rubbing the dust cover. It has rubbed the entire length of the recoil spring area on the slide. It also has a tremendous amount of lateral movement to where the slide will contact the dust cover when wiggled on BOTH sides when in the rear cycled position.

I called Colt and after being on hold for 16 minutes, finally got a customer service rep that sounded familiar with the problem and said it needs to be sent in for repair. Issued a call tag to be mailed to me. Should be here in a few days. Now to go without my pistol for a while I have a tactical class at the end of the month I had planned on using this gun. I guess I will have to decide whether to use my trusty Springfield or my boringly reliable and effective Glock 30.
Anybody received their pistol back after repair?

vashooter

2nd February 2009, 13:01

I just bought mine but was aware of the slide rubbing problem so I double checked the slide to frame fit and the clearance at the dust cover before I bought it. I had two to look at and I hope I picked the best one but, if it shows any wear after about 2 hundred rounds or whenever it WILL go back to Colt for the repairs. Sorry to hear that your's had the problem and good luck ;) Floyd

paul45

2nd February 2009, 14:55

larry starling

2nd February 2009, 15:10

Sorry to hear about your problems. I have no doubt Colt will fix it! The problem I have is that it should have been caught at the factory!

I'm sure by now Colt is well aware of the fact that they have some Major issues with these pistols. It seems that every thread about the new Combat Elite seems to have the same manufacturing defect!

Local gun store just got a few in. I'm going tomorrow with Paul to look at some older Colts and we will check out the new Combat Elites!

dakota1911

2nd February 2009, 15:53

I would expect Colt to fix the problem. If not let the forum know.

eng208

2nd February 2009, 16:46

I was wondering.....did you order this or get a chance to look at it before purchase?

You say it has alot of lateral movement with the slide locked back.......does it have that movement when in battery?

I wonder if this issue is apparent upon inspection or only after firing?

It was ordered through a good friend/dealer local to me. I told him that I was concerned about the chance of getting a pistol with a defect, and he told me that he would help with me sending it back, getting it fixed if that happened. I have bought about 8 guns from him in the last year, and sold another 12 or so for him to others.

When the gun came in, I looked it over very closely, and did not notice anything wrong, in fact, I was very pleased with the way it looked. It was only after about 100 rds that I began to notice the looseness and the rubbing of the slide. Then I got to looking with the slide out of battery and the slide will really move around a lot on the frame, even assembled. When locked into battery, the rear will move a little, but not excessive. I think the barrel lockup helps to secure everything. It is definitely accurate and reliable enough. I only had one failure, a stove pipe, in the first 30 rounds. I felt my thumb ride the slide, and I was shooting a very light target load.

I can deal with the reliability of the gun, so that is not the issue. Unfortunately, I can fix just about any issue with the gun that would cause reliability issues myself. What I can't fix is a problem in manufacturing where the slide/frame rails are not square to each other and the slide moves rearward in a non parallel movement.

I will report back issues as they come up. I hope it doesn't take too long. I will have to wait on the call tag to be sent to me, so it will be a few days before I can even send it out. At least they are paying shipping.

TacDoc

2nd February 2009, 18:31

I sent it back on my dime to expedite a week in the process... as if it where noticeable in a 2+ months wait...

In my case the frame's rails are oriented to the right. You can clearly notice this by inserting 2 ss machinist rulers inside the rail grooves. The rulers were parallel but oriented to the right side. Given the fact all CE rub in the right side, I believe Colt needs to fine tune their CNCs.

About the slide, I belive the slide's loosenes plays little with the rubbing cosmetic issue. It is the frame rails orientation what drives the slide to the right side. Mine was loose, but I have seen plenty of loose fit 1911s that dont rub.

Last but not least, my slide tunnel had a sharp angle right were the red arrow is pointing. Notice the uneven and not parallel rails-yellow arrows.

http://i44.tinypic.com/1sdwmr.jpg

IMHO the slide rails were machined just to the most ample tolerance limit and assembled with the next available frame. That was not exactly what I was expecting from Colt. But to be fair, I bought this CE thinking in a 6920.

Ric4509

2nd February 2009, 19:21

eng208

2nd February 2009, 19:27

Hmmm, I have to check mine. I've only fired 300 rds through it. It does have the rub mark in the spring tunnel of the slide. I had to take mine to the factory because the rear sight got so loose that Colt had to replace it. I refused to leave my Combat Elite and waited for about 40 minutes.
Which side? I bet you will find that yours is the same as what we are talking about. If it doesn't bother you, don't worry about it. Like I said, the gun goes bang every time, but I don't want a 900 dollar gun with a know manufacturers defect.

WhoaCowboy

3rd February 2009, 01:25

vashooter

3rd February 2009, 01:26

WhoaCowboy

3rd February 2009, 02:03

CG107xxE I also included in my letter TacDoc's comments/evaluation/measurements from the original CE thread from the Ezine CE review

I hope we all didn't jump the gun on this one..I also have a GSG 22 cal MP5 back at the importer ATI for repairs...did a pre order for one after getting excited by my gun club's hoopla... loads of fun when it worked..the gun has had FTE/FTF and got worse after all the forum discussions/fixes even from the factory tech..2-3 iterations/ running production mods in less that a year's production... sorry to get off topic from Colt's..but I hope I did not make mistake #2

TacDoc

3rd February 2009, 07:40

Mine is CG103xxE.

Off topic and sorry for the hyjack...

WhoaCowboy: several months ago I was undecided between a GSG or a .22 AR. The AR costs twice or more than the GSG but I cant be more pleased with the end results. Not a single FTF/FTE, just pure fun. I chose Colt not for the $$ saving, compared with a custom 1911, but for the quality implied in the Colt name. I just hope I didnt made the wrong choice.

Lower built by me.
Upper built by me with Spikes Tactical components.
Black Dog Machine mags.

http://i44.tinypic.com/9abzbn.jpg

Here with the 9mm sister.

http://i44.tinypic.com/2hrpzyb.jpg

TacDoc

3rd February 2009, 08:02

Does anybody who returned a CE back to Colt made them aware of this issues discussed here (and in other related forums)?

I missed this point in my letter to Mrs. LaPointe.

Do they actually know there are several online gun forums with discussions about their products?

IMO I doubt it. They dont even offer an email address in their page...

It would be of great benefit for CMC LLC to be aware of this discussions... cause you never know when Uncle Sam will cut down your contract and you will need to rely in the civilian sales market to keep the company alive. Yes, the not so happy civilian customers like us...

cwo4uscgret

3rd February 2009, 09:17

Although they probably do not read or participate in the forums I am fairly sure they know about them. When I was talking with the Historian's Office the other day they knew the person who referred me to them, by his nom de internet...

73shovel

3rd February 2009, 10:42

I also called Colt today. Had a similar wait time or longer. The service rep said he knew nothing about the CE's problems. Mine also has a defective white dot in the rear sight. He did not offer a send tag..just said send it back..I went to my dealer right after and he sent it back on my dime..I'll try and get reimbursed by Colt later..my dealer uses UPS priority overnight mail with insurance..I figure 45-50 bucks..I also sent a copy of my enclosed letter to Cindy LaPointe directly via the p.o. box....I hope this gets resolved satisfactorily..will keep u all posted about this adventure too.

I do not have a CE but had the same problem with a blue 1991 Commander I bought from Bud's last spring. Cindy and the other female service rep (can't recall her name off the top of my head) I dealt with at the time were very understanding. I was told to send the pistol back for repair and given the Colt address to send my shipping receipt to for reimbursement (81.00 UPS overnight insured).
Even though I was told by Colt to expect six weeks, the pistol was returned to me in three and half. Unfortunately, their repair solution was to grind and polish material off the right front of the slide and reblue. The procedure left longitudinal facets around the lower radius of the slide that were still visible after the polishing. Also, this left the slide noticeably thinner on the right side of the spring plug.
I called and told the service reps I thought this solution was unacceptable, and they referred me to Paul, in charge of gunsmith repairs for factory production pistols (versus custom shop guns). After repeatedly leaving messages and even sending Paul a letter outlining my concerns, with no response, one of the reps finally told me that Paul had instructed them to send me a shipping voucher. UPS came to my door and picked up my Commander for its second trip back to Hartford.
Turns out Paul had been out of the shop for a week or so, and of course was swamped on his return. I don't know why this fact couldn't have been passed on to me by the service reps during one of my repeated contact attempts. Paul finally called me back, good guy. They replaced the slide on my pistol and it cycles, looks, and shoots great. I was reimbursed without hesitation for the shipping for the first return of my gun.
I know this is a long, drawn-out story, and the repair process seemed that way to me as well, with a level of frustration along the way. I've related the story in detail, because I think its instructive of how things work at Hartford. If you make your concerns known to Colt, and can be patient, and can get to talk to the right people, they'll definitely do the right thing.

WhoaCowboy

3rd February 2009, 11:05

TacDoc
1. Beautiful AR's ( SBRs too!!)..I felt the same after my purchase and saw a 22 listed in Bushmasters catalog...of course this was before the current AR scarcity..back to topic.

2. I just reviewed my letter to Ms LaPointe. I mentioned that the customer service rep said he was "unaware" of the CE problem but that the CE owners were!! I mentioned Hunter's review in Ezine where it was noted in the test. I mentioned the 1911 forums in the letter enclosed with the gun with a copy to her also. I also said I still purchased the CE because of its overall favorable review. I said I hoped Colt had a plan to rectify this recurring problem. I said I have been a Colt's Collector for years. My first handgun was a Colt Cobra. I have all three generations of SAA's. I also mentioned that I want this model to be successful. Quality makes it a Colt etc. We'll see.

WhoaCowboy

3rd February 2009, 11:11

73shovel

Thanks for the detailed info

WhoaCowboy

3rd February 2009, 11:19

Not to Hijak but for illustrative purposes....yesterday I also received the recall package from Ruger for my LCP....Heard about it online...registered online..received a confirming email ..waited..prepaid kit arrived..I will take it to UPS today..prepaid overnite air..they said one week in factory once received..will get a free finger extended mag too for my trouble...what elso can I say.......

TacDoc

3rd February 2009, 11:28

sweet45

3rd February 2009, 14:43

It's a shame that Colt has such an expensive payroll with union wages,and we have to deal with this type of inperfection. I think the unions need to stop protecting these loosers and get rid of them. When you pay top dollar for union work,you should get a quality product. I get sick and tired of all these excuses.

k217sc

3rd February 2009, 18:34

Dang now I am getting nervous...anyone have a combat elite WITHOUT a problem?? Also my serial numbers is in the CG108xxE range . Maybe they made some adjustments?? Anyone got higher or lower ones? Floyd

I guess I got lucky with mine. Serial number CG101XXE without any of the current issues.

Greg

paul45

3rd February 2009, 18:39

How rounds thru it so far, k217sc?

k217sc

3rd February 2009, 18:44

How rounds thru it so far, k217sc?

Not many Paul, about 200 or so. (Maybe I should have used the word "yet" in my post??)

paul45

3rd February 2009, 21:58

Sounds good! .....you would think with 200 rounds, if there was a problem, it would be visible by now.

Mick_In_Texas

3rd February 2009, 23:18

Hmmm...

I bought a NIB Series 70 Repro Model (01070A1CS) and it is non-functional... I wish Colt had offered to send me a call tag on it! Had I insured it for its full purchase price, it would've cost me nearly $120 for UPS NextDay Air, as required by federal law... as it is, it cost me $60.00. However...

I have heard HERE that they reimburse the customer for the outgoing to them... Yes, the hold times when I called both initially and today, were long... hard at work... but they were good enough to confirm receipt of my 70 today. The service rep DID know they got it Friday.

I don't feel I should be out ANYTHING for my trouble: mine, due to the probs it has, should never have gotten out of the factory. I've got an original M1911 from 1918 (but it is 80+ years old), an O1918 Repro, and a Super 38 Govt Model that are excellent. I've got an O1991 that doesn't shoot straight (low and left consistently with three-dot combats), and the surrealistic Series 70... My RIA and my two Springers, along with other platforms and manufacturers, have been 100% out of the box. I'm anxious to see what Colt's LLC's turnaround time is on my 70... The jury's out on it. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt, though, so far.

I SO wish Colt could turn these QC probs around. I paid more for my 70 than I've ever paid for a gun (albeit I bought my first ones in the early 80s), and the Colt "name" is just an American icon if you are in the U.S. Do they ("they") keep up with the forums? Doubt it, not since Mark went to USFA. But obviously they know about probs due to returns for warranty work. I was headed toward being a "Colts guy" 8 months ago, and I've been severely disappointed on the O1991 and the O1070A1CS. STILL, though, I carry my Super 38 Govt with confidence, as well as my O1918 Repro. I am even considering trying to re-earn my Texas CHL with the 1918 (but my SA Mil-Spec MAY win for that, depends on the range results this weekend)... I SO wanted to use the Series 70 for that, and make it my primary carry gun... but NOT just yet.

We'll see how it comes back from the factory warranty work. I think it's accurate; hard to tell when you can't get it to chamber a round. I'd LOVE to qualify with, and carry, a Colt. But I want to do it with a .45, as I always have (Ruger P90, sold it and maybe shouldn't have), and a 1911 platform--but looks like THIS time, may be that SA Mil. I KNOW it works, every time. So does my O1918: but those sights... when you're timed and scored on accuracy... maybe. Don't know.

Good luck on the CE. I am trusting that Colt will make ours RIGHT. Jury's still out on my O1991. My Super 38 and O1918 are dead-on, shame the O1991 is low and left. From 3 to 25 yds, but I've heard from folks here and one of my dealers that this is common on these. Shame, really...

Y'all all take care and be safe. I DO think Colt can overcome...

Mick

OD*

3rd February 2009, 23:25

it would've cost me nearly $120 for UPS NextDay Air, as required by federal law... as it is, it cost me $60.00. However...
It is not Federal law, it is company policy, the law only requires you to inform the carrier that the package contains a handgun.

Mick_In_Texas

3rd February 2009, 23:43

It is not Federal law, it is company policy, the law only requires you to inform the carrier that the package contains a handgun.

You may be right here: I'm pretty conciensious shipping guns around... especially nowadays. I know USPS won't accept a handgun unless you're an FFL. UPS and FedEx will accept them, TO AN FFL, if you're a private citizen (I sold my P90 on GunBroker.Com). The USPS won't accept HANDGUNS. Only long guns, and they have some restrictions on those, too.

I had my P90 refinished several years ago. I disassembled it and shipped it UPS as "machine parts". No problem. They instruct you to do this, the refinisher. Colt's is not technically an FFL. When I talked to them initially, they said they "get guns every day". Same with Armscor: I had to disassemble the gun and ship it as "parts", since I'm not an FFL. UPS. The manufacturers can ship an owned gun to an individual citizen; I can't ship one to them as a handgun, unless I have an FFL. I don't. I'm a law-abiding citizen.

On the P90, I had the buyer's FFL and I shipped it to him. That was legal, and it was declared as a handgun. NextDay Air. It's hard, and there's a reason for that, I know. That is a good thing, generally. I doubt I'll ever sell any more of my firearms... but I've been there three times. Shipping. Mostly, the carrier policies seem to be to prevent their employees from stealing firearms in transit. It happens, and not only firearms: I've been in logistics and materials management, public and private sector, for over 30 years.

I checked on this stuff before I shipped my 70. Not to be dissenting, but, just conversation here in the thread. When I shipped my P90 to the FFL for the client, UPS didn't have a problem with me declaring it as a hangun/firearm; but I DID have the client's FFL's current certificate. M&R Specialties, when I had my P90 refinished, ADVISED me NOT to ship as firearm, since they were not an FFL.

Just for conversation, OD*. You take care, and be safe.

Mick

OD*

3rd February 2009, 23:50

I checked on this stuff before I shipped my 70. Not to be dissenting, but, just conversation here in the thread.
No problem Mick, we shipped guns everyday, it is not a Federal law that handguns must ship overnight.

cwo4uscgret

4th February 2009, 00:35

WhoaCowboy

4th February 2009, 02:07

I have sent my ParaOrd C6.45/LDA to ParaOrd via Fedex. I don't have an FFL; but a private citizen may send a handgun directly to a manufacturer for repairs...and they can ship it back directly to you.

I would advise caution when sending a complete, but disassembled firearm to a non-FFL; even if it is disassembled it is still a firearm. Now, if you sent it in two packages then it probably would be OK.

I think if you look carefully at the federal regulations, the receiver or fire control with the serial number is considered the "firearm" whether assembled with the slide/upper or not. Obviously "parts" can and have been sent via common carrier and probably by USPS too. It is done but not necessarily legal IMHO.

Pac757

4th February 2009, 04:35

I have read the new Combat Elite slide / frame problem on here, tonight browsing on my other gun sites from other manufactures (I hope I don't get alerted for saying "other gun manufactures again...) I see that almost all of the other sites' 1911 sections on Colts somewhere in the neighborhood of like 90% of the new Combat Elite owners are having to send them back for the same problem, All owners of the new Combat Elite with the same issue. Maybe, this is just my opinion, but maybe Colt should step up to the plate and issue a recall on the slide /frame issue. My new combat elite is on it's way to my FFL now, :confused: I guess I better get it and head out to the range and put 300 rounds through it just to see if mine, also, will be going back to Colt. I am not knocking Colts I own 3 of them, but this issue is not isolated or rare, it seems to be the "rule" not the exception. I assume there is no Colt Rep involved with any of the forums. I know it is only cosmetic not really a functional problem, but still, it is not like the CE is a cheap, or should I say inexpensive pistol. They (Colt) have to be noticing a trend by now with this model. :rolleyes:

OD*

4th February 2009, 08:58

I think if you look carefully at the federal regulations, the receiver or fire control with the serial number is considered the "firearm" whether assembled with the slide/upper or not.
This is correct, it is generally the receiver that is considered the *firearm*. Now with SigSauer's model P250, it is the trigger group or "fire control" that is considered the firearm (on that model).

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GFhdZoLYNqA/SMrbcz3VL9I/AAAAAAAAAGU/4tvUMZg-ZXQ/s1600/P250TT-Detail_frame.jpg

Mick_In_Texas

4th February 2009, 21:37

No problem Mick, we shipped guns everyday, it is not a Federal law that handguns must ship overnight.

I thought about your post a lot. You're right: the overnight (and EXPENSIVE) thing isn't a Federal law... that's just a common-carrier policy by FedEx and UPS because of... hee hee... thievery... or the possibility of that among the employees. That's also the reason they DON'T want us to indicate on the actual package in any way that there's a firearm inside it!

I just get jittery when I ship a GUN. We're all law-abiding folks here, and I realize the potential when you hand something over to the "middle man" to "take care of for you"... I really appreciate our good FFL holders. Frankly, I really try to support local businesses; but when my credit rating was about 300 points less than it currently is, my local shops wouldn't let me pay out a gun I liked. My FFL here has been really good, he doesn't sell new arms, and he's made quite a bit handling them (ALL my 1911s) for me. I can't imagine what the current regs are from the BATFE are, to maintain an FFL...

BUT: to get back to the thread... I so hope the CE repairs go well for our friend, as I hope the 70 repairs go well for me from Colt. I know from... who, Hunter?... here that they're trying to "modernize" their production... and they're such an American firearms icon (I dream of the M4 Colt, cannot remember the model, 6420? and a Single Action Army revolver in .45 LC with that extra cylinder for .45 ACP, THAT, if it was functional, would be a DREAM), and I want them to be successful. That first 1911 I ever handled was a Colt REAL Mk IV Government, manufactured about 20 years ago when they weren't "Repros"... and I fell in love with a platform. Then, having been blessed to acquire an EXCELLENT M1911 from WWI for an extremely reasonable price... I love and cherish and am thankful for all my firearms, but I want my Colts to be special... and functional. I told them Monday I'll give them some time on my 70, as I'm certainly not hurting for guns, and carry pistols... the thing that makes me sad, is if that 70 had been my first and only gun, much less first and only 1911. I've had to sacrifice a bit to get where I am with all mine; some folks save and scrimp and have only ONE. Or maybe a handgun and a rifle (I've even got two rifles now, in addition to my 12-ga. "tactical" shotgun [read: riot gun with a full stock])... that's what makes me really sad about some of Colt's QC issues.

We'll hope they do us current owners right, and maybe get some of these things smoothed out. I've heard it takes some time on the warranties, here; but in MY case, I can wait. Not everyone can, I think...

Y'all all take care and be safe. Y'all are just the finest bunch of firearms owners there IS on the Net, and in real time.

Mick

wybulldog19

5th February 2009, 11:14

I placed an order for a new Combat Elite a few weeks ago, supposed to be at my gun shop in one to two more weeks! I cannot wait as this will not only be my first 1911 but also my first Colt! In fact this is my first post on this forum too! Anyways, I based my decision on what I have read in this forum, specifically the review posted in the E-zine. However, now after reading the posts in this thread I now have concerns that I may have the same issues others have experienced with their Elites?!? I will remain optimistic as according to the rep at the distributor from which my firearm will ship from, they were waiting on a new shipment from Colt, so hopefully the issues have been addressed on new production units. Who knows?

I intend to utilize this for duty carry and have appreciated this forum in many ways, thanks to all who contribute!

On a side note, where does one find out about the Colt Custom Shop, the services they offer, prices and the process? Website? Catalogue? Email? The only Colt website that I have found appears to be first generation internet and does not even list the Combat Elite or other new models, what gives?

Thanks again and Be Safe!

WhoaCowboy

5th February 2009, 12:52

On a side note, where does one find out about the Colt Custom Shop, the services they offer, prices and the process? Website? Catalogue? Email? The only Colt website that I have found appears to be first generation internet and does not even list the Combat Elite or other new models, what gives?

Hope your new CE is from an "improved" production run. Mine was sent back on Monday. I believe Hunter addressed the website issue when he reported from this year's SHOT Show.There is a new one..he said it was very nice...they are really slow in implementation. Specialized Bike had a motto " INNOVATE OR DiE" Hopefully Colt's will take the hint..a company can maintain a sense of history, quality, and tradition and still be a 21st century competitor..I hope Colt's can and will...

Mick_In_Texas

5th February 2009, 22:52

Colt Mfg LLC still produces some excellent firearms. They HAVE had some QC issues, obviously. I have 5: original M1911/1918 mfg year, O1918 REPRO, Super 38 Government (ALL excellent), O1991 (functions perfectly, doesn't shoot straigh), and the Model 70 Repro (out of box, horrifying). My RIA had a small problem, that never affected its feeding, function, or firing, but it did have to go back to Armscor in Az. My two SAs, perfect, day one, out of box.

Colt is a GREAT "brand", especially for the 1911 platform. I hope bulldog has NO issues with his brand new CE! And there's a strong possibility he will be FINE! Hate the fact that Cowboy is among those of us who've had to return our Colts for... whatever, warranty for sure. I just hope, as Cowboy says, Colt's can get these issues resolved and be consistent in their QC in the 21st century... i've CERTAINLY supported them... LoL... financially, sometimes to my detriment... while I have some issues with them, there is STILL something about a Colt. They FEEL different than my other 3 1911s, and that is no bull. I don't know what it is... yet, yes, the two "issue" ones have shaken me. MY jury is still out on the 70; as I said, I'm not in a hurry on mine. I can "cover" while they're making it right, and if they do, YES: it could become my primary carry... when I could get a round chambered and fire it, it DOES seem to shoot straight. I still dream of making that 70 in stainless my primary carry arm.

Y'all all hang in and be safe; have a great start on the weekend.

Mick

WhoaCowboy

6th February 2009, 09:24

On a side note, where does one find out about the Colt Custom Shop, the services they offer, prices and the process? !

Call Colt at their 800 number and ask for a catalog and price list

wybulldog19

6th February 2009, 09:50

Thanks for your help, I will be calling them today. I guess one nice thing about waiting is I will have my Tripp mags and new duty holster delivered, ready and waiting for my new CE!

Anyone ever dared mount a light rail on their CE? I was thinking Dawson.

eng208

19th March 2009, 18:53

Just got it back today after a month and a half.

No idea why it took so long, after looking at the "fix". They reblued the slide, that part I can't complain about.

The "fix" for the rub? Milling the dust cover on the rub side for clearance
Now, instead of being able to send it off to a custom smith and having the frame/slide refitted, I have a 1000 dollar pistol with a thin wall on the one side of the dust cover. Oh well, guess I can use it as a truck gun, never be worth any thing else. I will probably use it in most of my tactical classes. Just have to shoot it some more to prove it is at least reliable.
Thanks Colt. Don't worry about me, I'll never buy another.

texagun

19th March 2009, 19:01

Just got it back today after a month and a half....No idea why it took so long, after looking at the "fix". They reblued the slide, that part I can't complain about....The "fix" for the rub? Milling the dust cover on the rub side for clearance....Now, instead of being able to send it off to a custom smith and having the frame/slide refitted, I have a 1000 dollar pistol with a thin wall on the one side of the dust cover.

Does it look like this.....or is it worse? Can you post a photo?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/w5lx/IMG_3208.jpg

TacDoc

19th March 2009, 19:26

eng208,

Sad to hear that. This is exactly the "fix" Im afraid of. Its unbelievable coming from a reputable manufacturer like Colt.

Im still waiting for my CE to come from the Colt hospital, but if they "fix" it this way I will return the pistol and demand my money back.

I suggest you do the same. Maybe this way they will understand we pay big $$ for a QUALITY product.

WhoaCowboy

19th March 2009, 20:25

Karen just emailed me upon inquiry that my gun shipped on the 18th to my dealer. We shall see..........

Ric4509

21st March 2009, 10:57

I used Dremel to remove the excess in the dust cover because I know Colt will take a long time to service my pistol. No rub marks anylonger. I retouched the rub mark in the slide. IMO Colt's quality is still not up there. I thought they had opened their eyes when Kimber and Springfield captured most of the 1911 market. But no they're still not getting it. I know Colt is not focused on the manufacture and marketing of the famous 1911 but is concentrating on the military side. I am local, I brought my Colt Combat Commander 70S in December 2008 to be refinished and reinstall new front sight. To date it's still not done. I received a call 2 weeks ago that it was ready to be picked up. When I got there I got a remarked, "What are you talking about?" It turned out that it's still missing the front sight. I was told Colt no longer has the short front sight so they will be installing the standard. I said how will that work if the rear sight is short and the front sight is the standard and taller. So I said replace both the front and rear with the high profile sights, black on black. Thursday, I called and was told it was shooting low when tested. So does that mean they just installed the front sight only? The promised date was March 4. I should have brought the pistol to a local gunsmith and would have been done in 1-2 weeks time. LESSON LEARNED FROM COLT!!! I will not buy a Colt anylonger. I recently bought 2 pistols from Colt's competitor.

eng208

21st March 2009, 13:01

On a good note, it does shoot well. Put about 50 rds downrange with no problems and no rubs. Had a few failure to lock slide back, but I was shooting some target loads that may have short cycled just a wee bit causing that. No problems feeding though, and no rubs. That is the main thing. I guess I can live with the thinness on the dust cover.
In the right light, I can see where someone actually used a grinder to grind out that area of the dust cover, then used a mill or sander to smooth the inner dust cover area down.
I want a tritum front sight installed and I guess I will leave everything else alone until the blueing gets worn away, then I will have to dehorn the slide, and refinish it in melonite or something.

TacDoc

15th April 2009, 15:01

My FFL dealer received my CE back from Colt last week. I was out of town for the weekend and just pick it up yesterday.

I DID NOT got a new slide..., but the slide/dust cover rub dissapeared. The recoil spring plug hole is centered. For some reason I dont understand the slide/frame fit improved somewhat and the slide path is straight now. At simple sight both sides of the dust cover appear to be of the same width (I have not measured this with a caliper yet).

I will detail strip it today and test fire it this next weekend.

On a side note, I got a polished ramp and they repainted the sights (this extras were not stated in the work order). As always I received the CE plenty lubricated (almost dripping oil) and with powder residues that confirm it was test fired. I did not noticed this before, but the blue box label states "O Package".

The Work Order just states "SLIDE RUB REPAIRED AND RETURNED TO FACTORY SPECS".

As of now Im pleased with the repair. Lets see what happens during the test fire.

Anyone here (paging Hunter) knows from firsthand what methods Colt uses to fit a (not new) slide to frame?